Indy Blog

The Rockies Today, Aug. 13

Arizona company wants to mine silver, zinc in MontanaTucson-based International Silver, Inc. has asked the Butte-Silver Bow Commission to lease hundreds of acres of land to the company to allow it to develop silver and zinc resources in the Montana city and county.Montana Standard; Aug. 9

Canada eyes Alberta's carbon standard as province considers changesAlberta's 12-percent-per-barrel carbon reduction requirement imposed on large energy companies is being considered by Canadian officials as a starting point for a national carbon emissions reduction plan, although the province is already studying new options that would require 20 and 30 percent reductions.Toronto Globe and Mail; Aug. 13

Renewable energy's role in Idaho's economy dimsIn 2011, a 37-page magazine published by the Idaho Department of Commerce touted the bright future solar, geothermal, wind and biomass energy would play in the state's economy, but those hopes have dimmed and, with Idaho's power prices second lowest in the nation and the lack of a state mandate that utilities have a certain percentage of alternative energy in their portfolios, wind, geothermal and solar projects are either languishing or being canceled.Idaho Statesman (AP); Aug. 13

Outdoor gear industry delivers ultimatum to Utah governorThe outdoor gear industry's annual trade show brings thousands of visitors to Utah as well as $40 million into the economy each year, and last week, the industry told Gov. Gary Herbert to back off his campaign to wrest control of federal lands or the 4,000-member Outdoor Industry Association will take its trade show elsewhere.Denver Post (AP); Aug. 11

Chesapeake Energy leads the way in tapping Niobrara play in WyomingThe Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission has issued 430 drilling permits to tap into the Niobrara oil shale play in Converse and Campbell counties so far this year, and at a meeting with investors last week, Chesapeake Energy reported that it had successfully tapped oil resources in the formation.Casper Star-Tribune; Aug. 13

Mountain West News is a project of the Center for the Rocky Mountain West at The University of Montana. It provides a daily snapshot of news and opinion in the Rocky Mountain region of North America, giving the changing mountain West a tool to understand itself and a platform for the exchange of ideas.